Essentials: Psychedelics for Treating Mental Disorders | Dr. Matthew Johnson

In this episode of Huberman Lab Essentials, Andrew Huberman interviews Dr. Matthew Johnson about psychedelics. They discuss the definition of psychedelics, their various classifications, and their effects on altering one's sense of reality and self-perception. Dr. Johnson explains the different pharmacological classes of psychedelics, including classic psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin, NMDA antagonists like ketamine, and empathogens like MDMA. They delve into the serotonin system and how psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin target it, leading to altered experiences. The conversation covers clinical trials involving psychedelics, the screening process for participants, and the therapeutic model used in these trials. They also discuss the potential dangers of psychedelics, including bad trips and the risks for individuals with severe psychiatric illnesses. The episode explores the concept of microdosing, its claimed benefits, and the current lack of clinical evidence supporting these claims. Finally, they touch on the potential of psychedelics for treating neurological injuries and improving cognitive function in retired athletes.